Mom diagnosed with DCIS

Hopeful44

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Hi everyone,

My mother was just diagnosed with intermediate grade DCIS and mastectomy was suggested because it was all over her breast. I am feeling so upset right now. I would be very happy to hear from people with the same diagnoses. Is DCIS really serious? What are her chances of a recurrence? how is the overall survival rate ? I've visited so many websites in the last few days but would like to hear from people here.

Thank you.

Annette47

Pure DCIS is not life threatening ... it is incapable of spreading beyond the breast. The survival rate is about 99%.

It needs to be dealt with because it has the potential to turn into something more serious (invasive cancer) but in and of itself DCIS is not particularly serious.

Her chances of recurrence depend on many factors, and her doctors should give you a more specific answer for her particular case but generally it is usually % after a mastectomy.

I know it’s scary (my mother was actually diagnosed with Stage 1 cancer about 6 weeks before I was), but the odds are very much in your mother’s favor.

buffyjc

Hi! I can understand the fear. No one wants to think of their mom going through this. But, I have experience on both levels. My mom was diagnosed with intermediate grade DCIS and also had IDC 10 years ago at the age of 59. She had a lumpectomy, rads and chemo (due to the IDC). She did not take tamoxifen and has not had a recurrence.

I was diagnosed, at the age of 41, with intermediate grade DCIS in February. After all tests, including an MRI, I learned it was more extensive. Due to my breast size and the extent of the DCIS, I needed a mastectomy. I chose to also have reconstructive surgery.

To answer your questions, I have to agree with Annette. Pure DCIS is not life threatening but if left untreated, it can become invasive and then, become much more serious.

Best wishes to you and your mom!